Albion add Finnish striker

Brighton & Hove Albion have completed the signing of Finland under-21 striker Vahid Hambo from Finnish first division side FC Inter Turku on a two-year contract - subject to international clearance.
Albion boss Chris HughtonAlbion boss Chris Hughton
Albion boss Chris Hughton

The 20-year-old completed a medical and the necessary paperwork earlier this week, and manager Chris Hughton says the striker will add to his striking options.

He said, “Vahid is a centre-forward with a good goalscoring record this year in Finland - we hope that is something he can replicate here in England.

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“He’s a tall, powerful player, and he is someone we see as adding to our attacking options - but he’s a young player, and someone we would see as an option within the squad at this stage.

“I want to see him pushing for a place in the squad at some stage this season, but it’s likely he will begin by playing some games for our under-21 side to help him make the transition to English football.”

Hambo began his career as a trainee at HJK Helsinki, before spending two years in the academy at Sampdoria. In 2014 he signed for Finnish side FC Ilves, and switched to Inter Turku this year.

The Finnish season runs from April to October, and during the current campaign, Hambo has scored 14 goals in 13 appearances - including a hat-trick in a 4-0 win over ROPS.

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Albion fans will have to wait to catch their first glimpse of Hambo, as he is currently sidelined by a minor ankle injury, which is expected to rule him out for approximately two to three weeks.

Hambo also made his debut for Finland’s under-21s earlier this year, and has scored three goals in two matches. He has also represented his country at under-19 and under-17 level.

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